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First Drive: 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid



In fact, Honda claims that 0-to-60-mph times have been reduced by a full half-second to 7.5 seconds (compared to an EX V6 sedan). Meanwhile, the EPA has given the Accord Hybrid a 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway fuel economy rating ? the highest numbers ever given to a V6-powered vehicle. We don't doubt those acceleration times after spending some time behind the wheel of the smooth new fuel-sipper. While the EPA numbers may not be as high as what we're used to seeing from modern hybrids, keep in mind that this is a powerful midsize sedan loaded with just about every amenity one could ask for.

The Accord Hybrid doesn't have everything, though, as Honda's engineers ditched the sunroof option in a bid to save weight. Other changes include new lightweight aerodynamic alloy wheels, a very high-tech IMA readout in the instrument cluster that provides details on how the hybrid drive system is operating, first-in-class active noise cancellation technology, a small rear deck spoiler and, of course, a subtle badge denoting the car's hybrid status. As in other leather-lined Accords, both the front and rear seats are extremely supportive and comfortable. Two-tone, soft-touch door and dash panels add an upscale feel, as do the plentiful use of high-quality wood trim.

So is the Accord Hybrid worth forking over a $4,000 premium over the price of a loaded EX V6? If you enjoy extra power and the ability to cruise over 600 miles on a single tank of unleaded, then the answer is a resounding "yes." Honda's latest super sedan may not be as efficient as the Prius or as futuristic-looking as the Insight, but it offers plush surroundings, unparalleled power, sporty driving dynamics and top-tier fuel economy in a sleek yet stealthy package. True driving enthusiasts who require the practicality and efficiency of a hybrid but harbor a burning desire for extra acceleration and the added bonus of having the latest tech toy on the block should find the Accord Hybrid an interesting prospect indeed.

If i was in the market for a new car, i'd probally consider this, looks/sounds pretty sweet.

 
Even before reading this article, I'm seriously considering trading in my 2003 Civic Hybrid for this gem of a car.
 
While not exactly what I'm looking for (need truck in the near future), I'd be tempted to just buy one of these just to give an indication to the automotive community to keep producing excellent vehicles just like this. Hopefully we'll see drop in this premium in the near future if more and more people start buying these.
 
That's sweet MPG...

Heck, I'd trade in my 2004 RAV4S which averages about 25 MPG for a hybrid RAV4, if Toyota could make it similar to the Honda Accord/Accord-Hybrid.
-PCM
 
Originally posted by: Aimster
why does a V6 accord go 0-60 in 8-seconds? That is slow for a V6 with 240HP.
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Yo, I ran mine at the track for a 1/4 time of 15.038 @ 93.793mph and a 1/8 mile time of 9.754 @ 73.75mph (timeslip). Using this calculator, my 0-60 time is 6.46 sec.
 
I really, really like this development (that is, a hybrid that is not entirely oriented toward fuel efficiency at the cost of performance). It sounds like the Lexus RX400h will be the second such vehicle. My hope is that we see more performance-oriented hybrids - who wouldn't like a car with, for example, 350Z-level performance that gets real-world mileage over 30 MPG?
 
a hybrid that is not entirely oriented toward fuel efficiency at the cost of performance
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There was word about 2/3 years ago, Acura was making a hybrid version of the NSX. Imagine a 400HP sports car that gets over 40MPG. Unfortunately, there has been no update since them. So who knows of Acura/Honda is still developing a hybrid NSX.
 
Originally posted by: ElFenix
does the AC turn off when the engine does still?
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No it does not. The electric based heating/AC on the Accord Hybrid is just like the newer Prius. Unlike the Insight, Civic Hybrid and older generation Prius, when Auto Stop happens and the engine shuts down, heating/AC runs off the electric motor instead.
 
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